USDA is accepting public comments through May 2 on a proposed rule entitled “Modernization of Swine Slaughter Inspection.” The rule would decrease the number of federal inspectors at slaughterhouses while also increasing the speed of slaughter lines. Now, a number of professional athletes are speaking out against the measure in a campaign with animal welfare organization Compassion Over Killing (COK).

The use of athletes in the campaign is intentional, says COK, pointing out that “while athletes are meant to be fast, high speed has no place at a slaughter plant.” All of the athletes featured in the campaign are known for their speed.

The group says investigative videos it obtained at high-speed processing facilities for U.S. pork producer Hormel revealed animals being beaten, shocked, dragged and improperly stunned out of view of on-site USDA inspectors. Currently, slaughter lines process approximately 1,300 animals in an hour, with many animals entering the scalding tanks while still alive.

Facebook

Twitter

“Compassion Over Killing is excited to pass the ball to these renowned athletes who are energizing our team effort to champion animals, workers, and consumers by opposing the USDA’s dangerous NSIS program,” Erica Meier, Compassion Over Killing’s Executive Director, said in a statement.

COK says it will deliver more than 250,000 signatures to the USDA urging the agency not to approve the new program.

If the agency’s recent dismissal of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices is any indication of its position on animal welfare policies, then it’s likely the pig slaughterhouse line speeds will continue to increase. After more than a year of delay on the measure passed by the Obama Administration, the agency announced earlier this week that it would not move forward with animal welfare improvements for livestock in the National Organic Program.

“As a society, we need to draw the line and put safety, common sense, and compassion ahead of corporate profits,” urged Metta World Peace. “The modernization of our food safety systems should NOT come at the expense of public health, worker safety, or animal welfare.”

SHARE

Advertisement

A Little Note from Us

At LIVEKINDLY we work tirelessly to produce passionate, high quality daily content for our thousands of followers and web visitors. We absolutely love what we do and hope you do too. Even a small donation can make a big difference to us, and help us continue to make a big difference to the world we live in – for our humanity, our home and those who share it with us. We truly value your support.

ABOUT LIVEKINDLY

To livekindly means to live in a way which shows appreciation to our humanity, our home and those who share it with us.

Inspired by the notion that mother nature’s intricate design is arguably flawless, the LK community have come together to build a home for informative and thought-provoking content, focusing on sustainable and compassionate living.

If you’d like to get more involved and support our mission, you can donate here, or apply to become a contributor here.